Pastors Team Up To Stop Violence Following Latest Tulsa Homicide

Prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old with the murder of a 15-year-old as community leaders say the gun violence must end.

Police said that 15-year-old victim is Tommy Thompson.

News On 6 talked to local pastors who said if someone knows something about this murder, they need to step up.

Pastor Layla Caldwell said she has seen scenes like this one filled with flashing lights, crime scene tape, and detectives all too often in her community.

"I'm kind of at a loss for words because it seems like this is more often than not," said Caldwell. 

Police found Thompson shot to death inside the Apache Manor Apartment complex this week. 

Investigators are still searching for the suspect, 18-year-old Marcus Herron.

03/08/2018 Related Story: Police Identify Man Sought In Fatal Tulsa Shooting

Police said the two knew each other and got into some kind of argument before the shooting.

Local pastors are begging those who knew what happened to speak up.

"If you see or you know what's going on speak out," Caldwell said. 

"A lot of people who see it and look away from it are just as guilty as the person that did it," said Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Scott Gordon. 

Tulsa police said they have talked to a number of witnesses and while there’s plenty of gossip and rumors, no one is saying anything specific and these pastors say that needs to change. 

"I feel like if you shoot somebody and you know the person that shot somebody let the cops know. Let them do their job," Gordon said. 

"That is one of the only ways we can help solve the problem is to speak out and let somebody know if you know who's committing the crimes so justice can be served," Caldwell said. 

Pastor Caldwell said she is forming a coalition with local pastors to help stop the gun violence she sees in the community.

The victim's family has set up a GoFundMe page.